How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center
   12500 Bruceville Rd
   Elk Grove, CA 95757
   Phone: (916) 874-1927

5. What are the visiting hours at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (916) 874-1927 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Personal transformation through structured learning environments forms the cornerstone of rehabilitative services within Sacramento County Jail, where inmates encounter opportunities designed to foster meaningful change and skill development. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that sustainable reintegration requires more than temporary confinement—it demands investment in human potential through carefully designed interventions that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. Through this philosophy, the institution typically provides a framework where individuals can engage with services that challenge them intellectually, professionally, and personally.

Educational initiatives serve as fundamental building blocks for cognitive development, often encompassing literacy enhancement, general equivalency preparation, and academic skill building that may extend across multiple learning levels. These educational services frequently complement vocational training opportunities, which typically include hands-on instruction in automotive repair and other trade-specific competencies that align with regional employment demands. Such programs may provide inmates with tangible skills that translate directly into post-release employment opportunities, creating pathways toward economic stability and reduced recidivism through practical application of learned techniques.

In addition to these foundational offerings, rehabilitation programs typically address underlying behavioral patterns and substance-related challenges through structured therapeutic interventions. Food service operations often serve dual purposes, providing essential institutional functions while simultaneously offering inmates valuable work experience in commercial kitchen environments and food preparation protocols. Creative writing services may also be available, encouraging self-expression and emotional processing through literary exploration, which can contribute significantly to personal reflection and communication skill development throughout the rehabilitation process.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel bars of Sacramento County Jail's housing units create an environment where inmates must quickly learn to navigate limited personal space and constant supervision. Inmates now find themselves adapting to a highly regimented schedule that typically begins with early morning counts, followed by meal service and structured activities throughout the day. The facility regularly maintains order through scheduled programming that provides inmates with opportunities to participate in educational classes, substance abuse counseling, and vocational training programs when available.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates sleep on basic bunks and store their limited personal belongings in designated areas. Meals are usually served in common dining areas at scheduled times, with inmates receiving three meals daily that meet basic nutritional requirements. Despite this structured environment, the facility typically allows inmates to purchase additional food items and personal care products through the commissary system, providing some degree of personal choice within the institutional setting.

In addition to this daily routine, inmates may have access to recreational activities such as television viewing in common areas, limited outdoor exercise time, and library services when staffing permits. Family connections remain vital during incarceration, with the facility generally offering scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges that allow inmates to maintain contact with loved ones. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, laundry services, and general maintenance tasks, which provide inmates with structure and may offer small wages or commissary credits to help them purchase personal items during their stay.